Fleet managers should redouble their efforts to ensure tyres and wiper blades are in good condition when the weather gets colder, according to FleetCheck.
Peter Golding, CEO at the fleet software specialist, said that while many fleets had risk management processes in place that enforced regular walkaround checks for company cars and vans, there remained others where enforcement was lacking.
Golding added: “The general condition of tyres in use on UK roads is undeniably poor. Recent research from the National Tyre Distributors Association shows around 40% of vehicles are running on rubber that is illegal or close to the limit. That’s appalling.
“Standards in fleet are doubtless higher but it is still possible to walk into company offices where quite large car and van fleets are being operated and find there are no checks happening or systems are lax.
“This is something we see regularly from working with businesses who are interested in adopting our walkaround check app.
“It’s a legal requirement for all vehicles to be roadworthy, and should be especially important to fleet operators.
“Failure to ensure this is the case could see company directors face severe consequences in the event of an accident but, more seriously, increase the chances of serious injury and death.
“As winter intensifies with colder, darker conditions, all of these risks grow and now is a good time of year to promote the ‘think rubber’ message.”
There were other desirable elements to winter driving safety, Golding said, including ensuring that drivers were carrying items such as an ice scraper, warm clothes and water, but walkaround checks were very much centred on the fundamentals.
Golding added: “Regular checks carried out be driver should ensure tyres are safe and well clear of the legal 1.6mm minimum tread, washer bottles are full, wiper blades are in good condition, lights are working properly and mirrors are clean.
“It’s about being able to see, to be seen, and to stop in the shortest possible distance.
“As the nights draw in and weather conditions deteriorate, drivers inevitably become more aware of the need to approach journeys in a well-prepared and circumspect manner, and it’s an excellent moment for fleet managers to remind their employees – including grey fleet – about these safety basics.
“It’s also the right time – and there is never a wrong one – for fleets that don’t have proper walkaround check processes in place to introduce them.”
